HUNDREDS of families, neighbours and friends took part in the first event of this year's nationwide community games on Sunday, playing sepak takraw, badminton and other sports.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the Community Games and Community Sports Festival at Anchorvale Community Club.

He joined in a mass workout and brisk walk with 2,500 residents, flagged off a dragon boat race and opened Anchorvale's new water sports centre.

He also gamely played a short table tennis friendly match with 10-year-old Charis Pang, and tried a round of mini-archery.

The Community Games are an annual affair organised by the People's Association (PA) to encourage people to play sports and mingle with others from different backgrounds at the same time.

This year, more than 800 teams will compete in seven team sports: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, netball, sepak takraw and table tennis.

This is also the first year people with disabilities are competing alongside able-bodied participants.

Ten teams of Special Olympics athletes are registered in badminton and bowling tournaments.

About 11,200 people participated in the games last year, up from 9,600 the year before. PA hopes to attract 12,000 participants this year.

Said PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng: "Sports is a powerful enabler to bring the community closer together. We want...to welcome all residents, regardless of their sports abilities, interests and backgrounds."

Registration for the games, which will be held til June 30, closes on March 24.

Those interested can register at community centres or visit www.pacsc.org.sg. They can also email pa_community_games@pa.gov.sg or call 6238 2058 for more details.